I have a powershot and they are all pretty relatively similar (though not exactly). The functions are all there.

For me, I first set my lighting to the proper lighting. I usually have it on "auto", but if I go outside I set it on sunlight or cloudy, if I am indoors I set it on incadescant, etc.

THEN I take a test picture. If its too bright, I adjust my exposure to -1 and test again. Still too bright, I set it all the way down to -2. The exact opposite if the picture is too dark -- raise it to +1 or +2.

If you want to take GOOD indoor pictures, DO NOT use flash (or if you do, use and external flash and bounce it off of something like the ceiling. This creates a "softer" light and also avoids red eye!). If you take pictures indoors make sure to do it by an open window or door in a room with GOOD lighting. Set the camera setting to "auto" and turn the flash off. Auto for some reason has the fastest shutter speed so it takes better pictures in low light than manual mode, even if you have the ISO set to 50 or auto lol.

Anyway. The ISO setting! You can usually keep it on auto, but if you are trying to get an action shot and they keep coming out blurry (outdoors) you have a few options. First is to lower to ISO setting. This is a faster shutter speed but lets in less light, so you MAY have to raise the exposure to make up for it.
The second option is to turn the flash on and, yes, use flash outdoors. This works ESPECIALLY well in situations where the subject is facing away from the sun and their face is cast in shadow.

There are a LOT more tips I have but I have to leave to pick my fiance up from work; I'll continue when I get back!